Green Space

Grandfather and young girl sitting on park bench.

Nature and Nurture: Understanding the Diversity of Biophilia

Biophilia, originally thought to be an innate and universal love for nature, is now understood as a temperament trait with significant individual differences influenced by genetics and experience.

January 15, 2025 - Psychology Today

Large trees on either side of wide suburban street.

How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience

Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.

January 13, 2025 - Wood Central

View of pavilion rooftop on Toledo riverfront.

The Glass City’s Riverfront Sparkles with Promise

How Toledo is transforming its waterfront into a beloved community space.

December 22, 2024 - Scott Carpenter

Public stairs in Los Angeles, California painted with rainbow and red hearts.

A Framework for Inclusive Tree Planting in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Urban Forest Equity Collective has developed an equity-centered tree-planting framework and toolkit to address historic underinvestment and mitigate extreme heat in vulnerable neighborhoods.

December 10, 2024 - UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

Tall mature green trees lining a concrete walkway next to a street with multistory apartment buildings on other side and sun filtering through the leaves.

Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges

Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.

December 9, 2024 - Cal Poly News

City park with paved walkway, green trees, and people sitting on lawn.

Global Report Shows Urban Forests Failing to Meet Vital Standards

The study reveals significant gaps in urban forestry, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms, innovative planting solutions, and expanded tree canopy to combat climate change and improve urban health.

December 9, 2024 - The Conversation

Large store in mall with yellow and black STORE CLOSING sign on front.

Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks

Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.

December 8, 2024 - Ruscena Wiederholt

Blue sign with white sillhouettes indicating parent and child crossing street.

Lessons in Child-Friendly Cities From Europe

How parklets, open streets, and green spaces make cities safer and friendlier for children and families.

November 20, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Two people walking under large trees in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California.

Branching Out: Building Health and Equity Through Community Forestry

Los Angeles County’s Community Forest Management Plan seeks to create a healthier, more equitable community forest by expanding tree coverage, engaging communities, and building resilience to climate impacts.

November 1, 2024 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

View of E-World 83 Tower in Seoul, South Korea through branches full of white and pink cherry blossoms.

Seoul’s Urban Parks Blossom with Books

The Reading in Seoul Garden event invited residents to enjoy free reading and relaxation activities, including digital and live programs, in scenic parks, fostering a sense of community amid the city’s autumn landscapes.

November 1, 2024 - The Korea Times

Chalkboard at Stoneview Nature Center park in Culver City, California.

How LA County Parks are Fostering Equity

Los Angeles County's Department of Parks and Recreation actively engages the public through diverse methods to ensure parks and recreation programming align with community needs and priorities.

October 27, 2024 - Parks & Recreation Magazine

Mature jacaranda trees full of purple blooms on street in Los Angeles, California.

Addressing Tree Canopy Disparity in South Los Angeles

A new study highlights the complex challenge of addressing tree canopy disparities in South L.A., where historical environmental injustices, budget constraints, and competing community priorities hinder efforts to increase equitable tree coverage.

October 21, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Young child riding scooter on gravel path in park.

How Local Parks Promote Equitable Outdoor Access

Targeted investments in local parks, improved infrastructure, and enhanced transit connectivity are essential strategies to close the nature gap and ensure equitable outdoor access for underserved communities.

October 20, 2024 - The Wilderness Society

Aerial view of Overlook Walk cap park over former Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle, Washington.

Seattle’s New Overlook Walk Offers Ample Park Space Near Pike Place Market

The elevated park and event space replaces part of the demolished Alaskan Way Viaduct, connecting the city’s famous Pike Place Market to the waterfront.

October 15, 2024 - The Urbanist

People running and cycling on wide paved path next to water with Singapore skyline with high-rises in background.

Singapore: A Model for Longevity and Quality of Life

Singapore's remarkable rise in life expectancy, driven by government policies on health, green spaces, and social cohesion, has earned it the distinction of being named the world's sixth “Blue Zone.”

October 14, 2024 - BBC

Flock of white snow geese flying and resting in water in Sacramento River delta at sunset.

California Secures $360 Million in Federal Funding for Parks, Habitat Restoration, and Clean Transportation

This funding will drive transformative projects across the state, improving access to green spaces, protecting natural ecosystems, and advancing sustainable transportation initiatives.

October 7, 2024 - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

City park with paved walkway, green trees, and people sitting on lawn.

New Study Shows How Urban Trees Improve Public Health

Louisville's Green Heart project demonstrates that strategically planting trees in underserved neighborhoods can significantly reduce inflammation levels, highlighting the health benefits of urban greenery through a novel, data-driven approach.

September 16, 2024 - Bloomberg

City park with paved walkway, green trees, and people sitting on lawn.

Advancing Sustainability and Resilience Through Parks

The Urban Land Institute offers fact sheets describing five innovative ways that parks can reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate threats while advancing health, equity, and quality of life in urban areas.

July 31, 2024 - Urban Land Institute

Gravel walkway along lake at Earvin Magic Johnson Park in Los Angeles County.

‘Parks After Dark’ Helps LA County Communities Thrive

Los Angeles County's popular Parks After Dark program continues to serve communities in need and offer multiple important benefits, as documented in a recent UCLA study.

June 13, 2024 - UCLA Newsroom

Tree lined residential street in the historic West Village neighborhood of Greenwich Village in Manhattan, New York City.

Sibling Study Highlights Impact of Green Neighborhoods on Public Health

More evidence that access to green spaces and walkable communities improve public health outcomes.

May 26, 2024 - University of Maryland

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.